Getting a divorce could be burdensome and highly emotional. In addition, it may be heartbreaking for your children. When they find out about it, how can you be honest about your divorce without being blunt? Also, how should you explain a painful life event without hurting their feelings?
Be patient and understanding
Your kids could ask questions because of their curiosity, confusion, anger or shock. Therefore, you need patience and understanding when dealing with their questions.
Once they ask, stop whatever you are doing and give them your full attention when addressing sensitive matters about divorce. You could also hold their hand while talking or give them a hug before ending a conversation.
Defining divorce in a simple way
Filing for divorce means seeking the dissolution of your marriage. In simple terms, you may say that you and your spouse do not want to be married anymore.
Since divorce does not end parental responsibilities, you could add that you and your spouse will continue to be parents to them. You may also assure them that they will still go to school and do their extracurriculars even after the divorce.
Reasons for calling it quits
In Nebraska, the law only allows no-fault divorces. This means that the only accepted reason is that the marriage is irretrievably broken and there is no possibility for reconciliation.
When citing reasons, you could just say that you had problems that you couldn’t fix. Furthermore, you need to mention that there is absolutely no chance of you getting back together. Additionally, you may clarify to your kids that your divorce is not their fault.
What happens next?
Your children may also ask about consequences such as living arrangements. This is when you may mention that the family setup will definitely change. While the divorce is not yet final, you may mention the idea of child custody and parenting time.
Parents for life
During a trying time like divorce, your kids would need your honesty and care to better accept the situation. Additionally, they would need the assurance that no matter what happens, your love for them will remain.
